Alcoa schools reconsider dangerous bus routes

The Alcoa School District is looking at officially discontinuing bus service to areas deemed dangerous to both buses and students.

On Tuesday, the school board unanimously approved the plan. It would mean parents in certain areas would have to take their kids to school or get them to a bus stop that is considered safe.

Director of Schools Tom Shamblin said he was approached by bus drivers, who voiced concerns about dangerous areas on their routes. One of the biggest areas of concern was along Alcoa Highway.

Shamblin said at one point buses had to stop on one side of Alcoa Highway and pick up students, before doing a U-turn and picking up students on the other side.

Mickey McClurg, chairman of the school board, said routes like that are just unacceptable. McClurgs said they want to make sure kids aren't put in jeopardy on their way to school.

"That is the only concern, children's safety. We must be concerned about that. We consider the children's safety and that has to be number one," McClurg said.

The district has looked at the safety of bus stops since it began offering bus service several years ago but has never had an official policy in writing.

The proposal is scheduled for a final vote at the December 15 school board meeting.